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Fisher
Student
Nebraska City, Nebraska
1
Question
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Hello! I’m a Highschool theater student and I was wondering how or even if I could go into the big time acting industry in highschool! I think I’m ok at acting so maybe it’s possible!?
I would really appreciate tips
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Fisher !
I don't usually duplicate my advice, but a student asked the same exact question yesterday and my advice for it still stands. It's great that you're active in theatre right now, but here is the advice I have for you as a high school student who is asking about going "big time". It's the same advice I would give to anyone in high school. As I have previously said:
It is so great that you are involved in theatre and learning acting right now. You are considering a professional career as an actor at this present time and I can give you some advice that I'd like for you to think about. Since you are a theatre student, you're probably getting feedback from your teachers, too, so that is a very important aspect of learning the skills for acting -feedback and experience.
If you are in high school, you would have to quit school in order to pursue acting professionally full time. You would have to be available all day and everyday for auditions, call backs and projects and you would need substantial experience before reaching the professional level. Also, acting is not something that people "break into", rather you are chosen based on many things. My advice is to stay in school, audition for all the plays and graduate high school. You can then consider taking an academic route, majoring in theater, film or communications with a concentration in Acting. But I would not advise trying out for professional main stream roles while in high school or when you haven't sharpened your skills to the utmost and there is so much to learn. It won't hurt to take it slow.
Something that you can try is perhaps creating a series or any type of video for your own You Tube channel. Some of your fellow classmates may be interested in collaborating with you on this. This will give you experience and an opportunity for people to offer you feedback. The business is not about how good we think we are, it's what others see in us. Also, most people who begin a professional career go where the work is in Los Angeles or New York City and I think it's very important for you to finish high school. You can also get experience in community theatre and local college student films, but you might not get every project you audition for or submit yourself for, so you really have to have a strong understanding and resolve about that.
There are also limitations if you are under 18 years old. The entertainment industry is a business and it will be very daunting for you if you try to start and do not know what the industry people are talking about, so it is a process like any other career. You need to learn the business end too and that will take a lot of reading, meeting professionals and making contacts in the business.
You can also look into summer theatre camps for an experience that will immerse you in acting. There are summer theatre camps all around. Do a search for "Summer Theatre Camps in . . ." and put your town or city in the search. Consider this experience that will boost your acting skills as well as give you more of an awareness of the business.
But do not worry - you have a lot of time ahead of you. I started at 18. I went through a very rigorous program at a University and while I was a college student I had opportunities to act in the community, as an extra as well as did an industrial film and an independent film while I was in college. I had a car and didn't have to work full time. Those are two necessities that enable a person to be able to pursue the career. Transportation and not having full time commitments so that you are available when you are needed. So for these reasons, I say keep doing what you are doing, keep your grades up and think about what you want to do after you graduate high school. Embrace the process and learn as much as you can.
I hope that this sheds some light on the career and I wish you all the very best. Do not give up !
I don't usually duplicate my advice, but a student asked the same exact question yesterday and my advice for it still stands. It's great that you're active in theatre right now, but here is the advice I have for you as a high school student who is asking about going "big time". It's the same advice I would give to anyone in high school. As I have previously said:
It is so great that you are involved in theatre and learning acting right now. You are considering a professional career as an actor at this present time and I can give you some advice that I'd like for you to think about. Since you are a theatre student, you're probably getting feedback from your teachers, too, so that is a very important aspect of learning the skills for acting -feedback and experience.
If you are in high school, you would have to quit school in order to pursue acting professionally full time. You would have to be available all day and everyday for auditions, call backs and projects and you would need substantial experience before reaching the professional level. Also, acting is not something that people "break into", rather you are chosen based on many things. My advice is to stay in school, audition for all the plays and graduate high school. You can then consider taking an academic route, majoring in theater, film or communications with a concentration in Acting. But I would not advise trying out for professional main stream roles while in high school or when you haven't sharpened your skills to the utmost and there is so much to learn. It won't hurt to take it slow.
Something that you can try is perhaps creating a series or any type of video for your own You Tube channel. Some of your fellow classmates may be interested in collaborating with you on this. This will give you experience and an opportunity for people to offer you feedback. The business is not about how good we think we are, it's what others see in us. Also, most people who begin a professional career go where the work is in Los Angeles or New York City and I think it's very important for you to finish high school. You can also get experience in community theatre and local college student films, but you might not get every project you audition for or submit yourself for, so you really have to have a strong understanding and resolve about that.
There are also limitations if you are under 18 years old. The entertainment industry is a business and it will be very daunting for you if you try to start and do not know what the industry people are talking about, so it is a process like any other career. You need to learn the business end too and that will take a lot of reading, meeting professionals and making contacts in the business.
You can also look into summer theatre camps for an experience that will immerse you in acting. There are summer theatre camps all around. Do a search for "Summer Theatre Camps in . . ." and put your town or city in the search. Consider this experience that will boost your acting skills as well as give you more of an awareness of the business.
But do not worry - you have a lot of time ahead of you. I started at 18. I went through a very rigorous program at a University and while I was a college student I had opportunities to act in the community, as an extra as well as did an industrial film and an independent film while I was in college. I had a car and didn't have to work full time. Those are two necessities that enable a person to be able to pursue the career. Transportation and not having full time commitments so that you are available when you are needed. So for these reasons, I say keep doing what you are doing, keep your grades up and think about what you want to do after you graduate high school. Embrace the process and learn as much as you can.
I hope that this sheds some light on the career and I wish you all the very best. Do not give up !
Vasundhara Padmanabhan
Banker
2
Answers
Woburn, Massachusetts
Updated
Vasundhara’s Answer
Fantastic! Pursuing a career in acting is a wonderful aspiration. Remember, however, that it's always wise to have a backup plan to ensure your future success. As you dedicate your energy to both your acting pursuits and your education, you should also explore opportunities that could potentially kickstart your acting career.
Success in any field requires hard work, concentration, dedication, and yes, a bit of good fortune too! Dreams are beautiful, but transforming them into reality requires a thoughtful understanding of the various elements involved in becoming a successful actor. This includes understanding the prerequisites, the benefits, and the challenges. It's all about taking measured risks.
You're at the beginning of an exciting journey! I wholeheartedly wish you the very best in all your future endeavors.
Success in any field requires hard work, concentration, dedication, and yes, a bit of good fortune too! Dreams are beautiful, but transforming them into reality requires a thoughtful understanding of the various elements involved in becoming a successful actor. This includes understanding the prerequisites, the benefits, and the challenges. It's all about taking measured risks.
You're at the beginning of an exciting journey! I wholeheartedly wish you the very best in all your future endeavors.